'Snubbed by her cheerfulness like a loud door / how can I greet her without adjustments? / So when she’s gone I always stray / after her temperament, her air – / hoping to keep step with her in her absence.'

Benjamin Markovits grew up in Texas, London and Berlin. He is the author of seven novels: The Syme Papers, Either Side of Winter, Imposture, A Quiet Adjustment, Childish Loves, Playing Days and You Don't Have To Live Like This. He was one of Granta's Best of Young British Novelists in 2013. He lives in London and teaches creative writing at Royal Holloway, University of London.